Lent 2026 #2

As I mentioned in last week’s post, I am fasting from offense this year for Lent. I listen to a podcast on my way to work, and Thursday the pastor brought up Socrates and his wife. Born into the heart of Athens, Greece, around 470 BCE, he emerged as a foundational figure in Western philosophy.

Socrates described his wife, Xanthippe, as argumentative and difficult, yet he saw value in her challenging nature, comparing it to enduring harsh weather to appreciate calm days better. He believed dealing with her helped him interact with the public.

He said it helped him develop tolerance and resilience, allowing him to better handle challenges from the outside world.

He also said it shows we can focus on what we can control and use adversity as a tool for growth to develop patience and peace, even in trying times.

How much more so for those of us who have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, for we know He longs to help and give us wisdom!

Yesterday, while shutting off the lights in the conference room in my office, my eyes “happened” upon a book. I picked it up and flipped it open and it landed on this. (I love how God’s timing works!)

The Hebrew word chabal, meaning offend, is defined at to bind tightly, writhing in pain, and suffocating the victim. We we allow ourselves to become offended we do that to ourselves. We get angry and clench our fists, our breath becomes quick and shallow, and our faces scrunch up.

Also this week, I was reading in 1 Timothy 2. Part of verse 8 stuck out, where it says not to shake angry fists at enemies, but raise holy hands to God. IT WORKS! When something offensive slipped by my defenses, I recognized I clenched my fist, started breathing quicker, and my face was scrunched up. I immediately went outside, and opened my palms and lifted my hands to heaven, praising God. Instant relief.

I don’t need to bind offense tightly to myself, or I will writhe in pain, suffocating myself from the Presence of God.

I hope this helps you as much as it is helping me!

To which I politely say, “Stuff it offense!” Well, maybe politely, but loudly!

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